We were recently looking for a summer getaway (aka “Staycation”), which seems to be an Arizona staple come summertime. After searching the web, Instagram, and Facebook, we landed on one of the best (and in our opinion) most under-rated hotel properties in Arizona (or maybe it’s best to simply call it the HIDDEN GEM!). The Montelucia sits in a spectacular setting between Camelback mountain and Mummy mountain on Lincoln Drive in Scottsdale. Their stunning views of the north side of the camels head and the Preying Monk (also known as the eye lash) don’t compare to many other resort views in the valley. Their spa, Joya is hands down the best spa in Arizona with an endless list of services and a staff who must have been trained by Buckingham Palace.

Our stay took place a few weeks ago over an extended holiday weekend. The first day we relaxed at the “adult” pool where we enjoyed a bucket of beers, some incredible grilled fish tacos, and made a few new friends from Ohio. That night we experienced Prado for the first time and let me tell you, if you have not been to Prado, after reading this article, you need to take the initiative and go. There wasn’t a single dish during the entire stay that we didn’t enjoy thoroughly. One of my favorites was discovered that night, Roasted Cauliflower! I’m pretty sure I had this every day of the stay! Though it was a summer staycation, and hot as hell outside, I had to try the seafood soup with saffron, tomatoes and shellfish tapas…ay yi yi!!! Instantly became one of my all time favorite soups! The complexity of this soup will have you licking the bottom of the bowl for every last drop! For the main courses, the roasted sea bass and the prime filet had to be the icing on top of the cake of goodness! These two dishes couldn’t have been made to any better perfection with the beef practically melting in your mouth!

Our Saturday pool day(at the big pool) was filled with lots of drinks (as all staycation pool days should) but we were bummed to find out that the poolside taco stations was only at the adult pool. Not to disappoint, our spectacular server made the trek and came back with a few trays of awesome tacos that would feed the entire group! Needless to say, we were extremely happy staycation’ers!

Every meal from breakfast on the patio at Prado and their incredible coffee (which I might just go back for that alone), to lunch at Centro and poolside, nothing disappointed during our fun filled stay. So, I leave you with what might have been my favorite experience…my poolside bloody marry with one of the most perfectly cooked pieces of bacon I have ever experienced (outside of millionaires bacon in San Francisco), see the picture above. The perfectly blended spices, garnishments, and again my bacon made this drink/dish (because of the bacon) our staycation home run!

If you staycation…book it at the Montelucia. But, you certainly don’t need to book a vacation to enjoy everything they have to offer. Get to Prado and Joya Spa…your senses will thank you!